Olive Ann Beech, 1903-1993 born Waverly, Kansas
Universally recognized as the First Lady of Aviation, Olive Ann Beech, worked up to the position of
Chairman Emeritus of Beech Aircraft Corporation. She was the first Kansan inducted into the
Kansas Aviation Hall of Fame.
Mrs. Beech co-founded Beech Aircraft Corporation with her husband, Walter H. Beech, in Wichita in
1932. She served as Secretary-Treasurer and a Director from its founding until Mr. Beech's death
in 1950. She then served as Chairman and President until 1968, and as Chairman until 1982, when
she became Chairman Emeritus. During the 50 years she served as officer, Beech Aircraft grew
from fewer than ten employees to more than 10,000, and from a dream to sales exceeding $900
million. From Aviation Pioneers, Wings over Kansas, 2007-07-16
Universally recognized as the First Lady of Aviation, Olive Ann Beech, worked up to the position of
Chairman Emeritus of Beech Aircraft Corporation. She was the first Kansan inducted into the
Kansas Aviation Hall of Fame.
Mrs. Beech co-founded Beech Aircraft Corporation with her husband, Walter H. Beech, in Wichita in
1932. She served as Secretary-Treasurer and a Director from its founding until Mr. Beech's death
in 1950. She then served as Chairman and President until 1968, and as Chairman until 1982, when
she became Chairman Emeritus. During the 50 years she served as officer, Beech Aircraft grew
from fewer than ten employees to more than 10,000, and from a dream to sales exceeding $900
million. From Aviation Pioneers, Wings over Kansas, 2007-07-16
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